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SF to Offer Free EV Charging Through 2013

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Monday, May 9, 2011

SF to Offer Free EV Charging Through 2013

(May 9, 2011)

Contact: Mayor's Office of Communications, 415-554-6131

San Francisco, CA, Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued a Mayoral Executive Directive announcing the City will offer free electric vehicle (EV) charging at all City-owned charging stations located on publicly accessible City properties through 2013 in order to build the local market for zero emission EVs. The charging stations will be located at 19 City-owned garages, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and at other locations currently under review, including a number of neighborhood branch libraries. The first of these charging stations will be installed in June 2011.

"The City's goal is to make it affordable and convenient for all San Francisco residents and visitors to charge their electric vehicles when they are away from their home charging stations," said Mayor Lee. "By providing free public charging powered by clean, carbon-neutral SFPUC power, San Francisco will help EV users avoid range anxiety and build confidence in the new technology."

The City plans to install more than 80 charging stations citywide by the end of the year. Many of the stations will offer both Level 1 (120 volt) and Level 2 (240 volt) charging in order to serve the widest range of vehicles, powered by Hetch Hetchy's carbon-free electricity. Multiple City agencies are involved in the project, including the Department of the Environment, SF Public Utilities Commission, Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), SFO, Department of Public Works (DPW), and Port of San Francisco.

In addition to helping promote new clean vehicles, the City's commitment to EV infrastructure will help San Francisco meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals. San Francisco has already met the Kyoto Protocol target of reducing greenhouse gases to 7 percent below 1990 levels, but with the aggressive goal of reducing greenhouse gases 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, the city will clearly need to explore carbon reduction opportunities on every front.

The transportation sector generates more than a third of all greenhouse gas emissions in San Francisco, and private autos and trucks are responsible for more than ninety percent of those emissions. In addition to implementing San Francisco's Transit First policies, which are designed to dramatically reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the City's streets, and promoting increased biking and walking, San Francisco is further committed to promoting the cleanest vehicles available and making San Francisco the nation's most successful EV market.

A dynamic city like San Francisco requires the efficient use of clean, renewable energy to meet the needs of today and future generations. Our innovative policies and programs help San Franciscans use energy wisely, while saving money and reducing environmental impacts.

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SF Environment aims to reduce travel-created carbon by getting people out of cars and instead traveling by walking, biking or public transit. We also are greening the City fleet of vehicles and encourage the public to reduce their impact by supporting cleaner fuels and vehicles.

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As the first city to adopt the Precautionary Principle, San Francisco strives to protect the health of its residents, visitors and the local environment. SF Environment develops programs and policies to help individuals and businesses make safer choices in products, practices and services.

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San Francisco is habitat for 800,000 people – meeting needs for space to work, play, and learn; for food, water, and air; for community with local flora and fauna. SF Environment provides support for urban agriculture and forestry and green buildings, helping residents and businesses harness environmental opportunities.

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SF Environment focuses on building community capacity - engaging people throughout the City’s neighborhoods and providing them with the tools, education, and job opportunities to ensure that the places where we live, play, learn, and work are safe and healthy.

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